Design Of Processing Equipment Research Articles

Features of the Structure Formation of the Machine Parts’ Surface Layer in the Conditions of Hybrid Processing

The object of these studies is the machine parts manufacturing process consisting of the following operations: pre-machining (rough and semi-finishing turning), surface hardening (high-energy heating by high-frequency currents) and finishing machining (finishing turning and diamond smoothing). We present the solution to the problem of quality forecasting in the conceptual design of hybrid process equipment. The developed methodology for substantiating the technical characteristics of machine tools based on mathematical simulation of its operating conditions provides the possibility of using automatic design systems at the initial stage of creating a general concept. We tested the developed design methodology and proposed a scheme for the implementation of hybrid metalworking process equipment based on the lathes. It is experimentally established that under the conditions of the developed hybrid processing it becomes possible to increase the surface microhardness of parts by 12-17 % and to increase the level of compressive residual stresses in the surface layer by 10-21 %.

Optimization of Thermo-Physical Properties For The Binary System Of Acetone–Water At 303.15-318.15 K By Response Surface Quadratic Model

Thermo bodily residences of binary liquid combos are very beneficial in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical and petroleum refining industries for improved favoured products from diverse raw materials. The physical property data on mixed solvents are important for the theoretical and applied areas of research and are frequently used in many chemical and industrial processes such as design of new process and process equipment (fluid flow, mass transfer or heat transfer calculation) and designing of bioreactor/fermenter. The objective of the current paper is to determine the density, viscosity, ultrasonic velocity, refractive index and surface tension of acetone (1) + water (2) at temperatures of 303.15K to 318.15K for the complete composition degrees and atmospheric pressure. These experimental values were used to calculate the respective excess homes in conjunction with a few acoustic properties. The experimental facts and excess residences have been used to calculate the interacting coefficients and well known deviations from different existing models. Also the new model equations have been evolved with the aid of the use of Design Expert application for density, viscosity, ultrasonic velocity, refractive indices and surface tension. Experimental consequences have been analysed on the premise of molecular interactions among element molecules with the assistance of FT-IR spectrum. Acetone-water binary structures of the prevailing observer have positive values of excess molar volumes and deviations in isentropic compressibility over whole composition range and at all temperatures which suggests sturdy interactions among the components of binary mixtures. Thermodynamic observations of acetone and water mixtures were made. Negative viscosity deviation of acetone-water combinations suggests robust dipole-dipole interactions within the device. Fourier remodel infrared spectroscopy also indicates the sturdy interaction made at 3589 cm-1 and based on the response surface method outcomes, more interplay takes area at zero. Five and zero six moles of acetone and water combination and the consequences are conformed with reference to the R2 cost (0.89). Excess molar extent and isentropic compressibility were decided and kinds of interactions have been discussed primarily based on the derived properties.

Mass modeling of guava (cv. Allahabad safeda) fruit with selected dimensional attributes: Regression analysis approach

AbstractThe correlation between physical parameters of guava like axial dimensions, projected area, volume, and mass is essential for developing postharvest machineries especially grading systems. The present study focused on measuring physical characteristics (dimensions, projected area, and volume) of guava (cv. Allahabad safeda), and the development of predictive linear and nonlinear (linear, quadratic, power, and S‐curve) models to determine the mass of guava. The fruits were graded based on the maximum equatorial diameter in three grades that is, large (Φ = 66–75 mm), medium (Φ = 54–65 mm), small (Φ = 43–53 mm), and mass modeling was performed. The model equations were also fitted on ungraded fruits samples for comparison purpose. The major, intermediate, minor intercepts, geometric mean diameter, weight, volume, and criteria projected area of the ungraded lot were 63.76 ± 6.03 mm, 59.90 ± 4.71 mm, 59.66 ± 4.43 mm, 61.05 ± 4.76 mm, 126.80 ± 30.88 g, 132.6 ± 35.0 cm3, and 33.10 ± 8.17 cm2, respectively. It was observed that predictions of mass models fitted on ungraded fruit lots were found superior to fitted on individual grades. The higher coefficient of determination (R2) and low mean relative deviation (MRD) indicated that quadratic models based on geometric mean diameter (R2 ≥.984, MRD = 2.32) and ellipsoidal volume (R2 ≥.986, MRD = 2.28) can effectively predict the mass of guava fruits. The possible applications of established mass models for developing an integrated and effective grading system and the prospective utilization of graded fruits for processing into a variety of value‐added products are also discussed.Practical ApplicationFruits with uniform grades usually have higher demand and consumer preference. Grading is the essential unit operation in postharvest management to achieve dimensional uniformity. The grading process becomes complex when fruits are graded with a similar appearance but difference in mass; therefore, mass‐based grading of fruit plays a vital role in the design of advanced machineries. Recent advancements and automation employ mass as a parameter that enhances the overall efficacy of grading operations. The developed mass models and outcome of this study will be beneficial for developing advanced grading machineries. The possible integration of machine vision systems with developed mass models will simultaneously enable the grading of guava with both dimension and mass. Additionally, information on some grade‐specific physical properties and their potential utilization will be necessary for the design of process equipment and the development of various value‐added products.

Globally optimal distillation tray design using a mathematical programming approach

This article presents the optimization of the design of distillation column trays. We develop a mixed-integer nonlinear optimization model, which we solve using mathematical programming. The objective of this formulation is to size all geometric variables of the tray. Two possible alternative objective functions are tested: column cost and column mass. The utilization of the proposed approach is illustrated through a design example from the literature. In this example, the optimal result obtained through the proposed approach is compared with the one obtained following the spirit of a traditional heuristic design procedure employed in process equipment design textbooks. The comparison indicates a reduction of both objective functions tested as compared to the result of the heuristic procedure.

Обґрунтування конструкції та встановлення параметрів високошвидкісного двомасового резонансного вібраційного транспортера з інерційним приводом

Goal. It consists in substantiating the rational design of the vibroconveyor as a component of the vibroconveyor line of length , which will provide the necessary technological parameters for the transportation of artificial cargoes. The difficulty of this task is that the speed of transporting goods by mass should be at least . Topicality. The need for these studies is due to the fact that the vibration machine interacts with the parameters of the oscillation system, the main of which are inertial, rigid and power. If they are correctly calculated and implemented in the design of a vibration machine, it will be robust. Failure to consider one type of parameters causes an error in the calculation. Method. The refinement of analytical expressions is carried out using the classical approaches for linear vibrational systems with harmonic perturbation. For this the physical model of the two-mass resonance oscillation system is considered and its mathematical model is developed as a system of linear differential equations. On the basis of this the solution is formed (the values of the amplitudes of oscillations). Unknown parameters remain rigid, provided that the inertia is constructed. Therefore, using the determinants of the matrix of coefficients for unknowns, the necessary mathematical operations are performed that satisfy the imposed conditions for the establishment of rigid parameters. Results. In the paper a series of analytical expressions are obtained that examine the mutual influence of rigid parameters in the system. A comparison of the obtained results according to the specified expressions with classical analytical expressions is made. It is established that the values according to the proposed expressions do not differ significantly from the classical approaches, and therefore, in the case of in-energy calculations, it is sufficient to use existing expressions. The proposed expressions are more precise and therefore recommended for scientific research. Scientific novelty. For the first time, we succeeded in synthesizing analytical expressions for the establishment of inertia-rigid parameters that allow more accurate calculation of two-mass resonance oscillation systems. It is established that for the correct choice of resonant alignments in the system, the mutual influence of rigid parameters in the system is not significant, and therefore it is scientifically grounded to use classical approaches. Practical significance. Established analytical expressions can be widely used in the design of vibration process equipment. The transparency of the output and the relative simplicity of the proposed analytical expressions allows for their widespread use in practice.

Properties of isomaltulose (Palatinose®) – An emerging healthy carbohydrate: Effect of temperature and solute concentration

Isomaltulose (Palatinose®) is an emerging low glycemic and low insulinemic carbohydrate with several health benefits. Therefore, data about the properties (solubility (IS), density (ρ), specific heat capacity (cp), thermal conductivity (λ), and dynamic viscosity (µ)) of isomaltulose solutions in a wide range of temperature and concentrations are scarce. The influence of the temperature and solute concentration was evaluated by fitting empirical equations commonly applied for carbohydrate solutions to the experimental data. The generic polynomial model concerning the significant variables predicted the experimental values with good accuracy (R2 > 0.99; p < 3.91%). The µ showed an Arrhenius exponential-type behavior (R2 > 0.97; p < 8.02%). IS increase with temperature (T). The ρ and µ increased with isomaltulose concentrations (IC) and decreased with T. The cp and λ increased with T and decreased with IC. The availability of these properties covers a lack of data for the effective design of food processing equipment and unit operations such as osmotic dehydration, pumping, and pasteurization.

Textural Properties of Coconut Meat: Implication on the Design of Fiber Extraction and Coconut Processing Equipment

ABSTRACT The textural properties of coconut meat such as punching force, cutting force, punching energy, and cutting energy are the salient parameters for the efficient and ergonomic design of the fiber extraction machine and processing equipments such as coconut chips slicing machine and grating machine. As literature on these textural properties of coconut meat is limited, our study analyzed these textural properties at three different positions viz. eye, middle and bottom position of 9, 10, and 11 months maturity old Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD), Malayan Orange Dwarf (MOD), and Chowghat Orange Dwarf (COD) cultivars. Statistical analysis revealed that cultivar, maturity and loading position are the major factors that significantly affect the textural properties of coconut meat. MOD was reported to be the toughest cultivar followed by MYD and COD. The amount of force and energy needed to punch and cut the coconut meat was found to increase with maturity (11 months> 10 months> 9 months) and loading position (bottom section > middle section > eye section), respectively. The highest punching force was observed for the meat of cultivar MOD of 11 months maturity with 18.41 ± 1.53 N, 36.70 ± 5.72 N, and 39.12 ± 6.65 N for the eye, middle and the bottom sections, respectively. The highest punching and cutting energy of 168.89 ± 7.37 J and 254.21 ± 28.14 J was documented for MOD cultivar of 11 months maturity, at the bottom section.

Onset about non-isothermal flow of Williamson liquid over exponential surface by computing numerical simulation in perspective of Cattaneo Christov heat flux theory

In view of increaing significance of non-isothermal flow of non-Newtonian fluids over exponential surfaces in numerous industrial and technological procedures such as film condensation, extrusion of plastic sheets, crystal growth, cooling process of metallic sheets, design of chemical processing equipment and various heat exchangers, and glass and polymer industries current disquisition is addressed. For comprehensive examination Williamson model expressing the attributes of shear thickening and thinning liquids is taken under consideration. The physical aspects of magnetic field applied in transverse direction to flow is also accounted. Heat transfer aspects are incorporated and analyzed by employing Cattaneo-Christov heat flux model. Mathematical formulation of problem is conceded in the form of PDE’s by implementing boudary layer approach and later on converted into ODE’s with the assistance of transformation procedure. The resulting equations are solved numerically using shooting and Runge–Kutta methods. Impact of involved parameters on flow distributions is displayed through graphs. From the analysis it is inferred that Cattaneo Christov heat flux law exhibits hyperbolic equation which follows the causality principle and make the problem more compatible to real world applications. It is also deduced that magnetic field suppresses the velocity field and associated boundary layer region. Decrease in temperature profile and heat transfer coefficient is found against inciting magnitude of thermal relaxation parameter. Substantial decrease in velocity is found against increasing magnitude of Williamson fluid parameter and magnetic field parameter whereas skin friction coefficient increments. Confirmation about present findings is executed by making comparison with existing literature.

Finite element simulation of mechanical properties of Rosa roxburghii under compression loading

AbstractIt is very necessary to understand the mechanical properties of Rosa roxburghii fruit for harvesting, packaging, processing, transportation, storage, and related equipment design and improvement. This research was to determine the mechanical properties of R. roxburghii fruits through compressive experiments and finite element simulations and to verify the accuracy of the finite element model. In order to achieve finite element analysis, an accurate three‐dimensional (3D) geometric model was reconstructed by applying 3D laser technology and point cloud reconstruction algorithm. The elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of R. roxburghii fruits were determined to be 4.0 MPa and 0.35 through experiments. The finite element simulation results provided valuable numerical data and visualized stress distribution. The simulation results showed that R. roxburghii fruits were damaged under the loads of 156.2 N (vertical) or 148.3 N (horizontal), with a maximum deformation of 5.0 mm (vertical) or 6.93 mm (horizontal), respectively. In the vertical and horizontal compression positions, the maximum relative errors between the experimental results and the finite element model are 24.71 and 13.99%, respectively. The results of the compressive strain energy of the fruit showed that the maximum relative error between the experimentally measured strain energy and the strain energy calculated by FEM simulation was 9.20 and 2.09% in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively.Practical ApplicationsAs there is no relevant literature on the mechanical analysis of Rosa roxburghii fruit, the finite element method has been successfully applied to analyze the mechanical properties of R. roxburghii fruit under compressive load. At the same time, the simulation results have also been verified by experimental data, and the finite element technology has certain application prospects in food processing engineering. This study proposes a method based on 3D scanning technology and point cloud reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct an accurate geometric model of R. roxburghii fruit for finite element simulation, and conducts an in‐depth analysis on the stress, strain, and strain energy of the fruit. The purpose of this article is to propose a reliable method to predict the mechanical properties of the fruits under compressive load. The finite element simulation results can not only provide the basic data needed for fruit packaging and protection but also can be used for the design of automated fruit picking manipulators and the improvement of fruit processing equipment.

The Design of Modern Process Equipment

Expert system is a methodology to adapt algorithm of successful decisions in one sphere of scientific and practical activity into another. Widespread information technology is an identical intelligent computer program that contains the knowledge and analytical skills of one or more experts in the field of application and is able to draw logical conclusions based on this knowledge, thereby solving specific problems in designing the process equipment without the presence of an expert (a specialist in a specific problem area). The expert system allows to solve problems in a narrow subject area. The modern realities of introduced automated production do not provide a quality result, because all design decisions are made on the basis of subjective knowledge and intuitive feelings. One way to solve this problem is to develop formalized human-machine design methods in the early stages of creating a project of process equipment. This study describes the process of developing an expert system, which is aimed at solving problems of product modeling, optimization synthesis of the process operation structure and layout of the process machine. In the study, the author identifies the stages of process equipment designing, identifies the components of the expert system, and describes the procedural model of the design process. The result of the paper is the developed structure of software and information support of the automated information system for the design of process equipment. The developed system will speed up the decision-making process in the design of process equipment and receive competent advice. The expert system will serve as a basis for the introduction of intelligent production and smart consumption, which confidently goes hand in hand with the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) bulk mass modeling based on engineering properties

AbstractHempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) owing to its excellent nutritional and pharmaceutical potential has resurrected the industrial and scientific community to exploit their processing and utilize for new food products optimization. The design and development of storage, postharvest processing and quality analysis of seeds depend upon the correlation properties with their physical parameters. In this study, the mass of hempseed is predicted as a function of its linear dimensional property, projected area and bulk seed density using linear and nonlinear mathematical models. Various engineering properties of different hempseed grades were investigated at a moisture content of 6.49% (wet basis). The effect of size and density‐based grading was also studied on mass modeling and was compared with ungraded hempseed. Results revealed that the mass models developed using graded seeds had more appropriate results (higher R2) than the ungraded ones. Models based on minor dimension (R2 0.939) and third projected area (R2 0.914) within a 5% level of significance were recommended from an economic standpoint to predict hempseed mass with maximum accuracy. Therefore, bulk mass modeling of hempseed based on engineering properties is strongly recommended for the design and development of grading mechanisms.Practical ApplicationThe growing demands for plant‐based protein and bioactive phytochemicals have directed the agriculture‐based industries towards non‐traditional food sources like hempseed. However, its richer protein and a blend of sensitive bioactive components demand a critical storage and processing unit. Mass is one of the important physical aspects needed for the design of various storage and processing units. Determining the mass of small grains that are almost unique in size and structure is a challenging task. In recent years, mass modeling based on physical dimension has been increasingly used for various fruits like kinnow mandarin, pomegranate, and lime fruits; therefore, we decided to test the applicability and accuracy of the same technique, along with examining the effect of grading, for mass modeling of hempseed for the first time. Various hempseed processing operations including dehulling, require crucial information about the bulk seed behavior and their correlation with their engineering properties. The study results might be useful to formulate an automatic grading mechanism for hempseed grading based on the mutual effect of mass and size. In this study, in addition to the introduction of a mass modeling system for hempseed, some grade‐specific engineering properties of hempseed have been determined, which are important for the design of equipment for harvesting, transporting, storing, cleaning, packing and processing.

(Invited) Electrochemical Recycling of Used Nuclear Fuel

Current nuclear energy systems produce approximately twenty percent of the electricity generated in the U.S. and account for approximately fifty-five percent of the carbon-free electricity. As the U.S. strives for even lower carbon emissions such as net-zero carbon emission by 2050, nuclear energy will play an increased role in providing baseload electricity to the nation. An opportunity to implement advanced reactor and fuel cycle technologies that offer enhanced resource utilization, waste management and non-proliferation features will be available as the role of nuclear energy expands to meet the growing demand of carbon-free electricity. For example, the U.S. can transition from the current once-through fuel cycle to a closed fuel cycle with used fuel recycling that provides actinides for energy production and encapsulates fission product waste in durable, engineered waste forms.Argonne National Laboratory has a rich-history in developing new methods to recycle used nuclear fuels that dates back to the late 1950s. This early work focused on developing methods to recycle the actinides extracted from used nuclear fuel and closing the nuclear fuel cycle. Early techniques consisted of melting the used metallic fuel discharged from the Experimental Breeder Reactor II in lime-stabilized zirconia crucibles to produce a liquid uranium alloy that could be separated from the resulting oxide dross containing the fission product elements. The resulting uranium alloy was recycled to produce fresh nuclear fuel. Subsequently, more elegant techniques such as molten salt – liquid metal extraction processes were developed to recover and recycle the actinides present in the oxide dross, and to separate the actinides from the fission product elements present in used metallic fuel. In both cases, the actinides were recycled in fresh nuclear fuel and the fission products were sequestered in waste forms.Argonne’s research and development efforts in used fuel recycling expanded to include areas such as oxide to metal conversion via chemical reduction in a molten salt flux and developing new processes for recycling the actinides extracted from nitride and carbide fuels. Work in this area evolved to include the design and development of electrochemical technologies for recovering actinide metals from used nuclear fuels and an electrolytic reduction process for the conversion of metal oxides to metallic forms.The transition of used nuclear fuel processing from chemical to electrochemical methods established the need for fundamental electrochemical data for the actinide and fission product elements in molten salt media, provided opportunities for the design and demonstration of purpose-built electrochemical processing equipment, and allowed for the use of process monitoring and control technologies to enable efficient electrochemical cell operations. Actinide metal nucleation and growth in a molten LiCl - KCl eutectic salt is an example of the type of fundamental data that has been collected to elucidate the behavior of actinides during the electrodeposition process. Results from those experiments revealed that actinide nucleation transitions from progressive to instantaneous growth with increasing actinide chloride concentration in the molten salt. This behavior influenced the design of electrochemical processing equipment. Other data such as actinide ion diffusion coefficients were also determined from the experiments.Electroanalytical process monitoring and control techniques are being developed for several molten salt applications. These techniques are ideally suited for molten salt applications due to the specificity of chemistry information that is produced, simplicity of equipment design, and functionality at elevated temperature and in radiation environments. Argonne developed a multi-function sensor and methodology that yields reproducible electrochemical data such as the redox potential of the salt and the identities of species present in the system for applications in used fuel processing and monitoring heat transfer fluids.Argonne’s molten salt activities span the range from fundamental property measurement to pilot-scale process demonstrations. The presentation will provide a survey of Argonne’s electrochemical fuel recycling activities including actinide electrochemistry, process design and development, and electroanalytical sensor development.ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The submitted abstract has been created by UChicago Argonne, LLC, Operator of Argonne National Laboratory (“Argonne”). Argonne, a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science laboratory, is operated under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357. The U.S. Government retains for itself, and others acting on its behalf, a paid-up nonexclusive, irrevocable worldwide license in said article to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, by or on behalf of the Government.

Nutrient Composition and Physical Properties of Two Orange Seed Varieties.

Orange is mainly consumed as fresh fruit, concentrated juice, or thin dried slices, while the seeds are usually discarded by consumers and orange juice processing companies. This study was carried out to determine the physical, frictional, nutritional, and antinutritional properties of the Late Valencia and Red Blood orange seeds. The proximate composition, mineral profile, antinutrient content, and physical and frictional properties of two orange seed varieties were determined using standard methods. The mean length, width, thickness, geometric, and arithmetic mean diameter of the Late Valencia and Red Blood seeds were 14.66, 8.45, 5.05, 8.47, and 9.39 and 13.74, 7.51, 4.99, 7.97, and 8.75 mm, respectively. An angle of repose 39.62° and 38.62°, coefficient of friction of 0.63 and 0.61 on wood, 0.33 each on mild steel, and 0.41 and 0.43 on Teflon were recorded, respectively, for the Late Valencia and Red Blood orange seed varieties. Seeds from Late Valencia and Red Blood orange variety contained 547.39 mg/100 g and 693.87 mg/100 g of oxalate, respectively. Proximate and vitamin C of the orange seeds analyzed indicated that the protein (4.18%), fat (57.45%), fiber (6.06%), energy (640.66 kcal/100 g), and vitamin C (63 mg/100 g) content in the Late Valencia were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the Red Blood orange (3.61%, 55.77%, 5.49%, 85 kcal/100 g, and 54 mg/100 g) correspondingly. The high fat content of the orange seeds makes them potential source of oil for both food and nonfood product applications. Ca, P, and K were predominantly found in the two orange seed varieties. Physical and frictional properties obtained from this work could aid in the design of equipment for harvesting, processing, transporting, separating, packaging, and storage of orange seeds from Late Valencia and Red Blood orange varieties. Further research is required to determine the suitability of orange seed flours for value-added products.

A study of moisture dependent changes in engineering properties and debranning characteristics of purple wheat

To assess the efficient storage and processing yields, simultaneously reducing the qualitative and quantitative losses from wheat grains, it is necessary to consider and study their engineering properties. The present study was conducted to determine the moisture-induced changes in the engineering properties and debranning characteristics of colored wheat varieties. Wheat was tempered to three moisture levels (12%, 14%, and 16%), and parameters were recorded using standard techniques and methods. Engineering properties such as bulk density, true density, porosity, and grain hardness decreased; the angle of repose, coefficient of external friction, arithmetic mean diameter, geometric mean diameter increased, while the coloring properties (chroma and hue angle) varied erratically with the increase in moisture content. Debranning characteristics also showed a positive correlation with moisture content. Practical applications The engineering properties and debranning characteristics of cereal grains are essential to design new equipment or to upgrade an existing one for their cleaning, grading, sorting, separation, material handling, storage, and milling. The present research provides a database needed for the design and development of purple wheat storage and processing equipment. It thoroughly discusses the impact of moisture levels on the engineering properties and debranning characteristics; the machinery that can be used by the farmers and processors to extract bran which can further be used to extract color rich in anthocyanins.

Micromeritic, thermal, dielectric, and microstructural properties of legume ingredients: A review

AbstractThe legume‐based food market has grown consistently in recent years because of the high global demands for plant‐based proteins. Since isolation of proteins produces the same volume of starch and large quantities of fiber‐rich fractions, these ingredients require property measurements for their industrial applications. Size‐reduction operations separate the ingredients from the legume grains by creating a large surface area with a definite size. Knowledge of micromeritic properties of legume‐based flour ingredients is indispensable in the design of process equipment and logistic operations. This review covers the particle‐size distributions of legume flours with a desired particle size that fits the food industry and fulfills the nutritional requirements of consumers. It focuses on the strict particle‐size requirement in the legume industry to obtain consistent ingredients for diverse food applications. Furthermore, engineering properties of legume ingredients, including micromeritic, dielectric, structural (e.g., Fourier transform infrared [FTIR], X‐ray diffraction [XRD], and scanning electron microscopy [SEM]), and thermal (e.g., thermal conductivity, diffusivity, heat capacity, glass transition, and melting temperature) properties and their interrelationships, have been discussed.

Predictive Approach to Understand and Eliminate Tablet Breakage During Film Coating.

Pharmaceutical tablets can be susceptible to damage such as edge chipping or erosion of the core during the tablet coating process. The intersection of certain process parameters, equipment design, and tablet properties may induce more significant tablet damage such as complete tablet fracture. In this work, a hybrid predictive approach was developed using discrete element method (DEM) modeling and lab-based tablet impact experiments to identify conditions that may lead to tablet breakage events. The approach was extended to examine potential modifications to the coating equipment and process conditions in silico to mitigate the likelihood of tablet breakage during future batches. The approach is shown to enhance process understanding, identify optimal process conditions within development constraints, and de-risk the manufacture of future tablet coating batches.

Listeria monocytogenes biofilm formation as affected by stainless steel surface topography and coating composition

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) biofilm formation on food-contact surfaces is a significant food safety concern. However, research on the ability of contact surfaces to resist fouling by L. monocytogenes biofilm is limited. With the objective of assessing the combined effects of substrate topography and coating composition on L. monocytogenes biofilm formation, we used stainless steel 304 with three surface topographies (native finish, #4 commercial brushed finish, and native finish with microfabricated pillars developed by a new process), in each case either uncoated or coated with one of five FDA-approved food-contact substances (chromium nitride, titanium nitride, Dursan, Ni–P-polytetrafluoroethylene (Ni–P-PTFE), and Lectrofluor 641). Results indicate that surface topography and composition significantly affected fouling resistance. Significant enhancement of resistance to L. monocytogenes fouling was observed on native finish coated by Ni–P-PTFE, which reduced L. monocytogenes by 1.5 Log CFU/cm2. Coating the brushed finish with Ni–P-PTFE, Lectrofluor 641, or Dursan reduced L. monocytogenes fouling by 0.5, 0.4, and 0.9 Log CFU/cm2, respectively. The greatest reductions in L. monocytogenes biofilm formation were obtained with Dursan coated on the native finish (3.4 Log CFU/cm2) and on the micropillar-modified native finish (2.8 Log CFU/cm2). The combined variation of substrate topography modification and coating composition provides a new approach to enhance fouling resistance of stainless steel against L. monocytogenes biofilm for improved sanitary design of food processing equipment.

Safety assessment of the film boiling chemical vapor infiltration (FB-CVI) process through a system-theoretic accident model and process (STAMP)

Film boiling chemical vapor infiltration (FB-CVI) is considered as one of the fastest process methodologies for manufacturing carbon-carbon (C–C) composite products and possesses various advantages compared to conventional methodologies. However, there are safety concerns associated with this process for large-scale manufacturing, mainly owing to the intrinsic nature of the precursor and the process conditions. Considering the multifunctional interactions of the various systems during the process, a system-theoretic process analysis (STPA)/system theoretic accident model and process (STAMP) model is used to perform a safety analysis of the hazardous states of the FB-CVI process at the system level. As a case study, the FB-CVI process equipment employed for the manufacturing of C–C composites is considered. The safety constraints present in the system are assessed for adequacy through a hazard analysis by STPA/STAMP. The analysis through STPA/STAMP demonstrated the capability to create proactive strategies for the design and realization of process equipment that can be employed to manufacture C–C composite products through the FB-CVI process.

Algorithm for Designing Reconfigurable Equipment to Enable Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy-Driven Manufacturing Systems

In the paradigm of industry 4.0, manufacturing enterprises need a high level of agility to adapt fast and with low costs to small batches of diversified products. They also need to reduce the environmental impact and adopt the paradigm of the circular economy. In the configuration space defined by this duality, manufacturing systems must embed a high level of reconfigurability at the level of their equipment. Finding the most appropriate concept of each reconfigurable equipment that composes an eco-smart manufacturing system is challenging because every system is unique in the context of an enterprise’s business model and technological focus. To reduce the entropy and to minimize the loss function in the design process of reconfigurable equipment, an evolutionary algorithm is proposed in this paper. It combines the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method with the theory of inventive problem-solving (TRIZ) to systematically guide the creative potential of design engineers towards the definition of the optimal concept over equipment’s lifecycle: what and when you need, no more, no less. The algorithm reduces the number of iterations in designing the optimal solution. An example for configuration design of a reconfigurable machine tool with adjustable functionality is included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Critical Speed Analysis of Rotor System of Sealing Machine

The sealing machine is the key part of the copper pen tip processing machine, and its working stability will have a direct impact on the processing quality of the pen tip. Taking copper pen tip desktop processing equipment for an example, to improve the quality of pen tip, the modal analysis was carried out on the system by large-scale finite element analysis software ANSYS. The modal parameters of the rotor system were calculated, and through the Campbell diagram, the critical speeds of the system were obtained. Finally, the critical speed under different structural parameters is obtained. By analyzing data, the critical speed of the system is negatively correlated with the bearing spacing, and positively correlated with the diameter of the long shaft section, and independent of the bearing stiffness. The analysis results provide a theoretical basis for the optimization design of structural parameters of the system and the design of the maximum working speed, which also has certain reference value for the research and design of copper pen tip desktop processing equipment in China.